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This Auditorium Comes With a Price Tag -Corruption in Albania’s Public Universities

Corruption remains one of Albania’s most stubborn obstacles toward development and its dream for European integration. Although the country marked its biggest historical leap in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for the year 2024, climbing by 18 places to rank 80th out of 180 states, corruption continues to cast roots …

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Heatwave Sweeps Across Albania, Health Ministry Issues Safety Guidelines

The heatwave affecting Albania in recent days has brought high temperatures across the country, raising concerns about the impact on public health. Elderly people, children and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses remain the most vulnerable groups. In response to the situation, the Ministry of Health has urged citizens to remain …

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Rama Shares AAK Representative’s Post: “Flamingos Seek Comfort. Eagles Seek Horizons.”

AAK political representative Labinot Bislimi was featured in a post shared by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Wednesday. In his post, Rama highlighted a statement by Bislimi, in which he described the recent protests in Albania as being organized with what he called anti-national motives. Prime Minister Edi Rama’s …

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Rama: We Will Launch Urban Renaissance 2.0, a Comprehensive National Development Program

Prime Minister Edi Rama attended an event on Wednesday focused on underground infrastructure in urban areas. The event highlighted efforts to remove overhead cables and improvised structures that affect the appearance of cities, the gradual transition to underground infrastructure, and the role of municipalities in the process. During his speech, …

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Hashim Thaçi’s Son Meets Edi Rama: Thank You for Supporting the KLA

Endrit Thaçi, the son of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, has shared a photo on social media from a meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by a message thanking him for his support of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and its former leaders currently facing trial in The …

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PM Rama to France 24: Foreign Actors Oppose the Zvërnec Investment Project

Prime Minister Edi Rama has commented on the protests against the proposed $4 billion investment project in Zvërnec, suggesting that they are driven not only by domestic concerns but also by external influences seeking to block the development. In an interview with French television network France 24, Rama said that …

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Agricultural Production Reaches 9.7 Million Tons, Vegetables Increase While Cereals and Fruit Decline

Albanian farmers produced approximately 9.7 million tons of agricultural products in 2025. According to INSTAT, vegetables led overall production with 1.4 million tons, marking a 1.5% annual increase. Fier, Tirana and Berat accounted for around 62% of total vegetable output. Cereals also represented a significant share of agricultural production, reaching …

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Economic Slowdown: Business Activity Grew by Just 1.1% in 2025

Although Albania’s economy expanded by 3.9% in 2025, according to preliminary data from INSTAT, nearly 72% of that growth was driven by just two sectors that are not directly linked to real business activity: public administration and net taxes. Based on preliminary estimates derived from quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) …

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PM Rama Welcomes Turkey’s New Ambassador to Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos on X from a meeting with Turkey’s new ambassador to Albania, Ceyhun Erciyes. “It is a pleasure to welcome the new ambassador of our brotherly Turkey,” Rama wrote on X. The Prime Minister also reposted a message from the Turkish Embassy in Tirana, which …

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PM Kurti: Kosovo Did Not Need New Elections, Work on Forming Institutions to Begin Soon

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has stated that the June 7 elections were unnecessary and that the outcome itself proves it, stressing that citizens have once again delivered a clear message. “This is our first in-person meeting since the June 7 elections. Kosovo did not need these elections, and the …

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Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here

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ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases

TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …

News
Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …

News
Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht

TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …

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Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës

Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …

News
Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog

TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …

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PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …

News
Former Kosova President Thaçi sends message to citizens

TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …

News
Valbona Valley draws global travelers to Albania’s wild north

TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …

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Foreign Tourists Visit Gjirokastër, Praise Nature, History and Hospitality

Foreign tourists visiting Gjirokastër continue to share positive impressions of Albania, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Mirela Kumbaro shared on social media comments from visitors exploring the UNESCO-listed stone city. Tourists from several European countries expressed admiration for Albania’s landscapes, beaches, and cultural heritage. A …

News

Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here

News

ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases

TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …

News

Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …

News

Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht

TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …

News

Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës

Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …

News

Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog

TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …

News

PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …

News

Former Kosova President Thaçi sends message to citizens

TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …

News

Valbona Valley draws global travelers to Albania’s wild north

TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …

News

Foreign Tourists Visit Gjirokastër, Praise Nature, History and Hospitality

Foreign tourists visiting Gjirokastër continue to share positive impressions of Albania, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Mirela Kumbaro shared on social media comments from visitors exploring the UNESCO-listed stone city. Tourists from several European countries expressed admiration for Albania’s landscapes, beaches, and cultural heritage. A …